Public Health Mobile Units to offer tests in Halifax area

Drop-in COVID-19 testing will be available in Upper Tantallon, Dartmouth and Fall River this week, along with other locations in Nova Scotia

HALIFAXtoday \  Chris Stoodley

Nova Scotia Public Health will be offering drop-in COVID-19 testing in several locations across the province this week, including in three spots in the Halifax area.

In the Halifax area, Mobile Units will be set up at the following locations at the listed dates:

• Tantallon Public Library, 3646 Hammonds Plains Rd., on Monday, Aug. 9 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dartmouth Bridge Terminal, 24 Nantucket Ave., on Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• LWF Community Hall, 843 Fall River Rd., on Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Testing people who show no symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic testing) is one of the main tools that has helped limit COVID-19 spread in Nova Scotia,” a news release says. “Nova Scotians and visitors to our province are reminded that even if you have mild symptoms like a sore throat, a runny/congested nose or headache, you should get tested for COVID-19.”

Testing is free and available to people of all ages and visitors.

Mobile Units that offer testing outdoors are weather dependant.

In the rest of the province, Mobile Units will offer drop-in testing at:

• Fortress Senior Citizens Club, 11 Mitchell St. in Louisbourg on Monday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Barrington Lions Club, 2904 Nova Scotia Trunk 3 in Barrington on Monday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The Mira Boat Club, 545 Hillside Rd. in Albert Ridge on Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Millville Community Centre, 270 Millville Hwy. in Cape Breton on Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Scotsburn Fire Department, 4179 Scotsburn Rd., Hwy 256 in Scotsburn on Thursday, Aug. 12 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Hants Exhibition Grounds, 221 Wentworth Rd. in Windsor on Thursday, Aug, 12 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Public Health says the Mobile Units will not have COVID-19 vaccines but that team members can help people book their vaccine appointments or answer any questions.

People getting tested also have the option to view their test results online. But it can take up to 72 hours to receive or access test results.

“Public Health is encouraging all Nova Scotians to be tested regularly for COVID-19,” the news release says. “If it has been over a week since your last test, consider getting tested again, even if you are vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective. As a result, Nova Scotians are encouraged to continue making testing a regular part of their routine.”